Vintage Windmill and Wind Generator Forum

Hello there! Matt from California is here as a new member. From what I can tell, I have an F&W Starb37. I'd like to get her up and running and utilize Mother Nature for some groundwater. It's located adjacent to a 40' hand-dug well that was later drilled after the windmill was put out of service. The well has static water at 25'. I figured I would start here and get some ideas from the professionals. If you have any thoughts, I'd love to hear them!

Welcome to the forum.

Welcome to the forum. When you can send some pics of the condition of your mill.After you get the mill up and running there are some experts on this forum that will help you with what you need to get the well working.

Matt , a picture is worth a thousand words , several are even better , is the motor locked up ? just need to be cleaned out ? so many questions ,yes you did find the right place as there are professional windmillrs who are willing to share their expertice .

I have a book called Windmills and Pumps of the Southwest, authors are Dick Hayes and Bob Allen. Pretty informative about how to pipe a well so you can pump water. Might do a search for it. It came out in 1983. I have found old books still for sale.

Here are some photos that I have taken that are okay. I can always take more from different angles if needed. I appreciate the response and look forward to learning more about windmills to work towards reviving and preserving this relic.
Wayne, I will look up that book and take your word on it, saying that it's an informative read. I do enjoy a good book, and I'm currently in between.

I’d lower the fan so it does fall and get damaged. Then possibly use a gin pole to also lower the gearbox for the necessary repairs.

The Mill actually looks in good condition besides the broken main shaft. Like Michael said you want to lower the wheel down to avoid damage and same with the Mill. Good Luck !!

Those are notorious for the front hub going bad and losing the wheel. Made in 7, 8, 10 ft, probably more. Don't know if they made a 5 footer at the moment. WIndwheel scientifically designed in a wind tunnel, and patented, for what it's worth. Fairly common mill. introduced in 1937. I believe it was their last, due to the war starting in '41.

This windmill has been in this condition (fan hanging) for over 30 years, apparently. I was told the fan was disconnected because, at night, it would squeak a lot. It seems it was more for yard art than utilized for its original purpose. I can't quite figure out how it can pull water when its not directly over the water source. As you can see in the third picture, the actual well is on the side of the windmill inside the pumphouse. Does one come off of it with a series of elbows? I can't quite wrap my head around this one. Of course, I haven't seen anything other than the windmill sitting directly over the water source.